This morning I found a 1st winter spotted sandpiper at Calheta, Madeira. This North American bird averages about one every two years on Madeira. When we arrived on the island 10 days ago, I was hoping that there might be a chance of finding a bird from across the Atlantic, after all the relatively nearby Azores does pretty well, and though this might not be the rarest, I'm made up with it. It was catching crabs on the rocky groynes adjacent to Calhau Beach Club.
I love this photo. Note that the white wing bar doesn't reach the body, immediately ruling out common sandpiper.
Note also the rather short tail and the bright yellow legs.
The tertials are unmarked, unlike those of common sandpiper.
There's even a few spots evident on the white underparts.
Meanwhile there were two grey wagtails of the...wait for it....Madeiran race. Apparently slightly darker on the back than those we see in the UK.
Also this morning, at least nine turnstones at Calheta marina.
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